Five Red Things to Do in Paris – on the Right Bank of the Seine River

Paris is known worldwide as a beautiful and romantic city. Even though the guide-book’s about Paris are numerous and the choice of places to visit is vast, here is a small selection of places not miss, on the right bank of the Seine River, if you visit Paris any time soon, particularly during Xmas or New Yeaer vacation.

1. Visit the picturesque open-air market in the 16th arrondissement on avenue President Wilson. Open Wednesday and Saturday. The market boasts remarkable stalls of fish, seafood (do not miss out on the incredible legs and claws of the Crabs of Kamchatka), local and exotic food and some clothes. True, there are many markets in Paris but this one is truly elegant and stylish, offering a unique Parisian touch.(To get there: market is open 7.30-14.30, avenue President Wilson between Rue Debrousse and the Place d’Iéna, Metro Line 9: Alma-Marceau, Iéna).

2. After a stroll through the market have a glass of hot mulled red wine on the heated terrasse of Chez Francis, with a view of the Eiffel Tower (if the heaters do not work they will offer blankets). Located in the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle,’ it is one of the most beautiful terrasses in Paris, with a breathtaking view during the day and in the evening, elegantly furnished with dark-wood furniture and red-upholstered chairs. (To get there: 7, place de l’Alma, Metro Line 9: Alma-Marceau)

3. Have a steak tartare, a Parisian specialty. The best-known restaurant that serves it is the Bar des Théâtres, furnished with bright red velvet chairs, paintings of cancan girls dressed in red and an anti-wind red curtain at the entrance door. So you can go there before the show. (To get there: 44 rue Jean Goujon, Metro Line 9 : Alma-Marceau, Line 1: George V – Frankin D. Roosevelt, Tél. : +33 (0)145620491 ou +33 (0)147233463).

4. Go to the Crazy Horse cabaret for an unforgettable evening. The cabaret is is a 5-minute walk from the resturant. (I first wanted to suggest the Moulin Rouge–the mythic stage of Jean Gabin, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli–which is a more classic choice, however my truly favorite show in Paris is the Crazy Horse.) It is fun, daring, and modern, with beautiful women–who are also great dancers–perfoming a spectacular show. (To get there: 12 avenue George V – 75008 Paris, M Line 9 : Alma-Marceau, Line 1 : George V – Frankin D. Roosevelt, +33 (0)1 47 23 32 32, reservation@lecrazyhorseparis.com, 2-3 shows per night, check out time during reservation) Prices vary from 105€ for a show to 180€ show/champagne

5. After a show at the Crazy Horse cabaret, continue your evening in one of the trendy and fancy night clubs in Paris. At least three of them are only a short walk or a taxi ride away from the Cabaret. So do not miss out on Le Baron, situated in what used to be a brothel, with soft red velvet and warm glow coming from black ceilings and mirror balls, and equally red-coloured comfortable and intimate-looking booths (6, ave Marceau, Metro Line 9 : Alma-Marceau, please note that there is a strict dress code); then move to Raspoutine night club decorated with upholstered red chairs and carpets and with red-hot electro-pop mixed by the capital’s best DJs (a restaurant before 11 PM serving caviar, blinis and vodka, 58 Rue de Bassano, Metro Line 1 : George V) and from there to the newly opened (Octobre 2) L’Arc Club. The Club is not really red but is a place to see on the right bank at night (12 rue Presbourg, Metro Line 1&6 : Charle de Gaulle – Etoile).